Chileans to offer thanks to God for rescue of miners

The president of the Chilean Bishops’ Conference, Bishop Alejandro Goic, will celebrate a Liturgy of Thanksgiving for the successful rescue of the 33 miners who were trapped at the San Jose mine.

The liturgy will take place Oct. 25 at the National Shrine of Maipu. The 33 miners as well as the Chilean President Sebastian Pinera will be present at the ecumenical celebration.

The Chilean Bishops’ Conference issued a press release explaining that the liturgy will be an opportunity to show “gratitude to the Lord for the happy end to Operation San Lorenzo” and to offer prayers “for the intentions of the miners and their families.”

The bishops invited all who live in or near the country's capital city of Santiago to take part in the liturgy. They also encouraged those who cannot attend to join in prayer from their homes or communities.

The 33 miners from the San Jose mine were rescued on Oct. 13 after spending 69 days trapped below ground when the mine collapsed.